A new promotional film has been launched in a bid to attract more visitors to the Harwich area.

East Anglian Daily Times: The shooting of a scene for a new promotional film which aims to attract more visitors to Harwich and Dovercourt.The shooting of a scene for a new promotional film which aims to attract more visitors to Harwich and Dovercourt. (Image: Archant)

The film was commissioned along with a new tourist guide and a visitor map to what’s on offer, with all three being launched at a meeting of the Harwich and Dovercourt Tourism Group.

More 70 people turned out for the event, representing a wide range of businesses and the voluntary sector as well as Tendring District Council (TDC) and Harwich Town Council, with unanimous support shown for the new promotional material.

Paul Milsom of Milsom Hotels and Restaurants, who chairs the tourism group, said: “The evening showcased what we have come up with in terms of promotional materials and was also an opportunity to discuss what we have achieved together over the past year

“It was virtually 12 months since our inaugural meeting and I feel everyone was very supportive of what we have done over that period and were also extremely positive about the way forward.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Harwich & Dovercourt Tourism Group meeting at The Waterfront in Harwich.The Harwich & Dovercourt Tourism Group meeting at The Waterfront in Harwich. (Image: Archant)

“We now have a very strong and positive brand for Harwich which local businesses are displaying in their windows which gives us a common identity to all those who visit the area.”

The tourism group has also put together the Historic Harwich website.

Giles Watling, Tendring council cabinet member for planning and regeneration, said: “It was very heartening to have such a large turnout and such a positive approach to the town from all sectors. It is good to see TDC and the town council pulling together in the same direction with businesses and our partners in the voluntary sector. We are much stronger as a team.”

Tanya Ferguson, Tendring council’s cabinet member for tourism and culture, who also attended the event, added: “There are some wonderful opportunities on the horizon, including the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower to America.

“The new guide and promotional film give us the tools to make the very most of these opportunities and to promote Harwich much further afield.”